International Men’s Day: From crisis to prevention in men’s mental health
To mark International Men’s Day, Dr Billy Boland, our Chief Medical Officer and Regional Clinical Director for Mental Health in London, reflects on why men’s mental health is an urgent public health concern, and what we can do to ensure more men get the care and support they need, sooner.
“Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50, a stark reality highlighted in the London Mental Health Strategy. Despite the range of services available, too few men access help early. For example, only one in three referrals to Talking Therapies are men. Too often, we meet men when they are already in crisis, when early support could have made all the difference in preventing worsening or very poor mental health.”
Inequalities we cannot ignore
“When we look closer, the inequalities are bleak. Black and Asian men are far less likely to seek help early and far more likely to first use services after going to A&E in crisis or after experiencing the sharpest end of care. For example, Black and Asian men are:
- Three to four times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act
- Up to ten times more likely to be placed on a Community Treatment Order
“These experiences are often traumatic and disempowering, eroding trust and making men less likely to seek help next time, so the cycle repeats.
“We also cannot overlook the disproportionate burden faced by LGBTQ+ communities, who also face a higher risk of suicide. Addressing men’s mental health means addressing these inequalities too – ensuring support that is safe, affirming, and accessible.”
What needs to change
“Through the London Mental Health Strategy, we have a roadmap for change:
- Build early support with inclusive, culturally sensitive services that feel safe and relevant.
- Invest in a diverse workforce that represents the communities it serves.
- Partner with trusted community organisations – charities and local groups that already have strong connections.
- Listen to lived experience and co-produce solutions with men themselves.
“Critical to this is ensuring that we address and improve the inequalities that people face when accessing and using mental health support, rather than exacerbating those that already exist.
“Our goal is simple but profound: a mental health system that offers dignity, safety, and hope for every man, whatever his background. Ensuring that everyone can get the support they need, long before they are in crisis.”
Taking action
To complement the work of the London Mental Health Strategy, the national Men’s Health Strategy, and the ambitions of the NHS 10-year plan, the London Assembly Health Committee have been investigating men’s mental health in our capital city and what needs to change.
The report, launched today, was shared at a special International Men's Day event at London City Hall, where Billy shared his reflections on the critical need for better for support for men and urging action on the report's recommendations. He was also joined by Emma Best AM, Chair of the London Assembly Health Committee, Karen Bonner MBE, Regional Chief Nurse for NHS England and Lucy Dodd, Strategic Lead for Mind in London.
